The Hunger and Health Coalition recognizes that part of the conversation of health and nutrition is that of food intolerances, allergies and diseases that restrict diet.
We take these seriously when considering what to put into the food box of a client. It's for this reason that today we observe Sept. 13 as National Celiac Disease Awareness Day.
If someone with Celiac disease (CeD) comes to HHC for food, they can feel safe knowing that their box is hand-picked with their health in mind. Pictured here is a food box that would be safe for someone with CeD, packed with care by Food is Medicine Coordinator Jonathan Farrior MS, RDN, LDN.
According to the National Celiac Association, CeD is a genetic autoimmune condition mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract after ingesting gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In addition to experiencing a variety of symptoms due to ingesting gluten, Jonathan said that CeD is a malnutrition issue as well. He added that if someone with CeD has repeated exposure to gluten, their intestines won’t absorb nutrients well and they'll become nutrient deficient.
Jonathan said that there has been a growing acknowledgment of the spectrum of sensitivity to gluten products. HHC packs gluten-free boxes for clients with a variety of gluten intolerances. Jonathan hand selects the items that go into a non-perishable food box for a client with diagnosed CeD to ensure the lowest risk possible of any products that could have even been processed in the same facility as gluten products.
Jonathan said Food Recovery Kitchen Coordinator Laura Buck also is great about vetting meals from the kitchen if they contain gluten. If you're unsure if a meal from the kitchen is gluten-free, please feel free to ask the staff for clarification. Even after seeking clarification about the meal and you still aren't sure, Jonathan suggests it's likely best to just not eat that product.
For more information about CeD, visit the National Celiac Association at nationalceliac.org. To talk with Jonathan about food intolerances or allergies, you can call or text him at (828) 263-7356.
Comments